Document type : Technical paper

Scientific paper comparing the effects of paper- and sawdust-based bedding on the welfare of lactating dairy cows, looking specifically at lying behaviour, activity, lameness, skin lesions, cleanliness and productivity and finding no significant difference between the two bedding types.

Article providing an initial overview of the implementation of the regulation requiring general anaesthesia for piglet castration in Germany. Currently, the use of isoflurane anaesthesia is increasing, as this technique is permitted by the new regulations and farmers receive subsidies from the Federal Government for the purchase of isoflurane anaesthesia equipment.

Article outlining four criteria that should be considere to prevent lameness in cattle: foot hygiene to keep infection pressure low, regular trimming and feeding, early identification of lameness, sufficient space per animal in the exercise area and control of time spent in the holding area

Article on the advantages and disadvantages of keeping pigs outdoors vs indoors

Article describing advances in sow housing with less time spent in cages

Article reviewing the welfare benefits of housing calves in pairs or groups

Article showing that Swiss consumers did not change their purchasing behaviour to support better animal welfare during the pandemic.

Article advocating the socialisation of piglets by mixing batches early on

Article describing farming methods to reduce weaning stress in piglets

Article setting out the main findings of the German government's 2021 report on nutrition in Germany. German citizens are eating less meat and taking greater account of the welfare of farm animals.